Bermuda’s Fill the Truck of Hope Helps Hundreds of Families this Christmas
For over a decade, The Salvation Army in Bermuda has hosted the Fill the Truck of Hope event,which supports families with food and gifts ahead of the Christmas season. Over 800 families benefit from this initiative each year.
The concept of Fill the Truck is simple. The goal is to collect donations for The Salvation Army’s Christmas assistance programs. The Fill the Truck of Hope event took place on Dec 8.
Between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., many people visited The Salvation Army truck parked outside of the Magic 102.7 radio station in Hamilton, Bermuda. The community graciously filled the truck with donations of non-perishable food items, unwrapped gifts for children, or gift cards. In addition, there was a Christmas kettle stand beside the truck for people who wished to provide monetary donations instead.
Major Darryl Simms explains how this event contributes to their Christmas assistance work.
“Given the economic instability in our world today, we are seeing more families and children accessing our services.”
“This event helps our work toward filling our Christmas hampers for distribution,” Major Simms said.
Fill the Truck of Hope was possible thanks to a great collaborative effort. The staff at The Salvation Army worked hard putting time into collecting donations at the truck, while local radio stations provided the Army with free airtime to promote the event. Additionally, there were live music performers by the truck during the event.
“It was an all-around effort by several people to help support those who are in need during the Christmas season. We had two saxophone players volunteer their time, and we had The Salvation Army band there playing carols,” Major Simms added.
This year the need was greater than ever, as more families find themselves struggling financially.
“Given the economic instability in our world today, we are seeing more families and children accessing our services,” Major Simms explained.
“It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to help those who are in need.”
The families that received Christmas assistance this year have been grateful for the help.
“It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to help those who are in need, especially during Christmas a special time of the year.”
By Juan Romero
